Kenneth Soh
KUALA LUMPUR: Sixty per cent of Malaysian consumers are supporting local sellers ahead of Merdeka Day with #ShopeeSapotLokal, according to the platform’s largest marketplace study this year, Celebrating the Heart of Malaysia on eCommerce ahead of the 9.9 Super Shopping Day.
The 2022 “Celebrating the Heart of Malaysia on eCommerce” survey was conducted by Shopee Marketplace, between July 19 and Aug 17.
Feedback was obtained from 2,132 Malaysian sellers and 3,356 Malaysian buyers on the platform.
When 3,356 consumers were asked why it is important to support local sellers during the month leading up to Merdeka Day on Aug 31, 30% endorsed the quality of made-in-Malaysia goods, 20% stated that they wanted to keep the economy running for patriotic reasons and 8% were companies supporting other local sellers.
Forty two per cent preferred shopping local to get their items delivered faster.
Among the respondents, 54% are working full time, between jobs (18%), senior citizens (17%), stay-at-home parents (6%) and university students (5%).
Shopee also examined what Malaysians valued most about online shopping.
Over 70% of consumers surveyed estimated that their everyday online shopping transactions had resulted in savings of more than 5% consistently.
“Interestingly, not all buyers prioritise discounts and vouchers exclusively.
“Seven in 10 Malaysians valued peace of mind over lower price,” said Kenneth Soh, head of marketing campaigns at Shopee Malaysia.Nine in 10 Malaysians still buy online despite the reopening of physical outlets because it is a learned and adopted habit.
The majority of the respondents valued having “peace of mind”, with 40% enjoying the convenience of having parcels delivered to their doorstep, 17% feeling safe with “Shopee Guarantee”, and 10% trusting reviews and pictures from other buyers.
For 49% of buyers, Shopee is the top-of-mind shopping destination for lifestyle products, including home decoration items, fashion, as well as health and beauty products. In addition, 24% of buyers purchased living essentials (groceries and diapers) from Shopee, 16% looked for tech devices (computers, mobile devices and television) and the remaining 11% bought automobile parts, work and school supplies.
“When Malaysian consumers express their values through online shopping preferences this way, we truly understand why eight in 10 local sellers started their selling journey online with Shopee.
“We are humbled to discover that half of our local sellers surveyed say the income earned on our platform is crucial as it enables them to support their families,” said Soh.
“The majority of local sellers began selling online with Shopee to overcome existing limitations on their earnings and participation in the economy: 24% because it is their only source of income, 5% are not able to get a job, 18% need to supplement their income and 24% feel the pressures of the high costs of living.
“A total of 30% became Shopee sellers because of the passion for their business,” he added.
